The Audiologic Rehabilitation (AR) clinic is dedicated to helping
patients overcome the deleterious communication and psychosocial
consequences of their hearing losses. Significant others are
strongly encouraged to participate. Currently, the AR clinic is
housed in a patient conference room equipped with a conference
table, television, and audio-visual equipment. Three main AR
programs are currently conducted, which include following programs:
(1) Hearing Loss Patient Education Program, (2) Speechreading, and
(3) AR for veterans with dual-sensory impairment (vision and
hearing loss).

The Hearing Loss Patient Education Program is a group support
program that consists of four, one-and-a-half hour group sessions.
Examples of some main topics covered over these four sessions
include: hearing loss and its consequences, hearing aid use,
realistic expectations and adjustment to hearing aid use,
communication strategies, optimal communication environment,
assertiveness, use of visual cues and gestures, and other assistive
listening devices. A workbook was developed to accompany the
program that consists of both in-class and homework exercises.
Veterans with hearing loss and their significant others are
strongly encouraged to attend.

The Speechreading (i.e., lipreading) program also consists of
four, one-and-a-half hour group sessions. It was designed to give
patients with hearing losses and introduction to speechreading and
in-depth practice using speechreading skills. An accompanying
workbook was developed for the speechreading program and consists
of both in-class and homework exercises. Interested veterans with
hearing losses and significant others are welcome to attend.

Audiologic rehabilitation for veterans with dual-sensory
impairment is unique. Hearing aid orientation sessions and
counseling are usually done on an individual basis. The use of
sophisticated magnification systems and special techniques are used
in AR for patients with dual-sensory impairment. Significant others
are encouraged to attend these special sessions.

The AR program offers an additional service to patients with
hearing losses and their families. The goal of the AR clinic is to
assist the patient with hearing loss and their loved ones overcome
the problems resulting from hearing loss. Dr. Sherri L. Smith is
the director of the audiologic rehabilitation program.